parson
Preserved but no longer current.
Meaning · English
A signpost. Common term in the north, where they say that the PARSON points, but does not lead. This is given, as the lawyers say, "without prejudice."
Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)
Where it’s used:
Origin
British & Irish English
Sources & notes
Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “parson” mean?
A signpost. Common term in the north, where they say that the PARSON points, but does not lead. This is given, as the lawyers say, "without prejudice."
Is “parson” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.